What to Do if You Suspect Medical Malpractice
If you think a medical error harmed you or a loved one, a few steps protect your health and any potential claim. Here they are, in order.
Take care of your health first
Get the ongoing care you need, and consider a second opinion from a provider you trust. Your health comes before any claim, and continuing appropriate treatment also documents the harm.
Request your complete medical records
Ask for the full record, including notes and imaging, not just a summary. You generally have a right to your own records, and the complete set is essential to any evaluation.
Write down a timeline
Note what happened and when, who was involved, and what was said, while it is fresh. Keep bills, discharge papers, and any communications.
Note the deadline — and act early
Medical malpractice deadlines are strict and different from ordinary injury deadlines, and pre-suit steps take time. The practical window is often shorter than it seems.
Get a free case review
An attorney can obtain the full records, arrange qualified expert review, and tell you honestly whether you have a claim — before any deadline runs.
The deadlines and rules depend on your state
The steps above apply wherever you were hurt. Filing deadlines, fault rules, and limits on damages differ by state — pick yours for what applies to medical malpractice.
Keep going
Not sure where you stand?
A quick, confidential review can tell you — about two minutes, no cost, no obligation.
This is general information, not legal advice. Every situation is different, and the law differs by state.